Two newbuilds follow on from an earlier order for two passenger ferries at the US shipyard
By
Rebecca |
US-based shipyard Vigor is to build two aluminium passenger ferries for the Water Emergency Transportation Authority's (WETA) San Francisco Ferry Brand, which operates in California, US.
Designed by Australia-based company Incat Crowther, the 135-metre-long catamarans will feature hulls built at Vigor Ballard (formerly Kvichak) and superstructures built at Vigor’s Harbor Island shipyard. The two newbuilds follow on from an earlier order for two passenger ferries.
“In the spring of 2015, Vigor began construction of the first two WETA ferries in this class,” said Tim Kolb, general manager of Vigor Ballard. “It’s an efficient design and very environmentally friendly. We’re extremely pleased to extend our partnership with WETA for two more vessels.”
All four 400-passenger ferries will operate at a service speed of 27 knots using MTU 12V4000 M64 diesel engines.
“The four Vigor vessels will play critical roles in maintaining service reliability in WETA’s planned expansion of ferry service on the San Francisco Bay,” said Nina Rannells, WETA’s executive director. “Vigor has been a strong partner in our ongoing fleet renewal process. We look forward to continuing the relationship.”